Sarah Greenshields (At-Large)
For an At-Large seat: Sarah Greenshields
Age: 33
Occupation: Owner and manager, Little Tree Education; partner and manager, Revolution Energy LLC
Years living in Dover: 5
Prior public service experience: Dover School Board, 2013-present
As rental housing development increases downtown, what can the city do to keep Dover affordable for middle- and working-class residents?
As the rental housing developments increase downtown, the city can continue to center its focus on attracting and retaining businesses that supply stable and strong paying wages. There is a critical articulation to be made — although a downtown tenant does not pay taxes directly to the city, the property owner does. A tenant pays their portion of taxes through their rental agreement, and in some cases this has been a strong positive for the city. The residents of Dover, and especially those with a fixed income, depend upon affordability and stability, which requires a diversity of housing stock, as well as employment opportunities. Recruiting and retaining a highly qualified workforce will enable the city to continue to balance opportunities for employers moving or starting their businesses in Dover. Dover Economic Development has recruited over 60 businesses to the area with a focus on advanced manufacturing and high-level service. Balancing residential and commercial growth is key to economic sustainability and affordability. Commercial developments can help ease the residential portion of Dover’s property tax base, and in our downtown, mixed use development supports a vibrant city center complete with housing and the businesses that support our residents and attract visitors.
How can the city address the impact of downshifting costs from state government to municipalities?
I have seen first-hand how strategic and resourceful our school administrators and city manager have been in budgeting and spending for our city. As a school board member, I am now entering my third budget season. The long-term and short-term goals for the city and district are the heartbeat of the budget. Precise focus on each line item has led to significant budget savings, diligence in bidding, and in combination with identifying new revenue resources, Dover has continued to prosper — even with shrinking state budgets.
Would you be willing to support a tax cap override while developing city budgets? Why or why not?
The goal in developing a budget is to be at or below the tax cap. That’s the primary focus. During my time on school board, the board has succeeded in developing budgets that fit within the city’s means. Being new the city council budgeting process, I anticipate the same determination in approving a budget that within the tax cap. However, the CIP plans reduced rates of spending, allowing us to focus on making sure the high school comes in on time and on budget — exactly what the residents expect and deserve. I am eager to learn more about the city council’s budgeting process, and will make each decision about the city’s finances with long-term goals at the forefront of each decision.
The council recently voted to approve funding for a new high school, and construction of a new police station/parking garage is under way. What should the city’s priorities be for future capital improvement projects?
On Oct. 2, the city manager released the proposed CIP for 2015-2020. While the review for the city council and school board has just begun, the proposal demonstrates projects that support a balance in systems and infrastructure that benefits both the residents and commercial opportunities, with city projects representing 38 percent and the school district 30 percent. Current projects must stay on track, and the city manager and staff must work to deliver based on plans. The police station/parking facility and constructing the high school are two of the largest investments to our city that will greatly improve the quality of living and working.
How can the city best address the increased cost associated with federal EPA regulations regarding stormwater and wastewater management?
We must be innovative and look to other communities who have addressed this same issue. I am aware of communities that have created stormwater utility districts that are able to offset increased costs with balanced user fees and innovative project developments that can minimize direct expenditures of the city. A collaborative approach with our neighboring communities in New Hampshire can provide opportunities for shared-approaches to these regulations and requirements. By building on our own in-house expertise and some targeted assistance from outside experts, I believe we can take a team approach to researching a cost-effective result that allows us to meet our obligations under these new regulations without dramatic cost-increases to the city.
What was the most recent cultural event you attended in Dover?
Apple Harvest Day and the skateboard park mural painting day.
What is the most important issue facing the city that no one is talking about yet?
The most important issue facing the city that no is talking about is the need for a performing and visual arts center to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors to our city. Many communities of our size and demographics have successful centers that drive cultural diversity, and ultimately support strong economic growth. Visitors will pay for venue tickets, stay at our hotels, eat and drink at local restaurants, shop in local boutiques, and ultimately consider Dover when relocating their family. The new high school building project can achieve this goal, while supporting the educational needs of our students. A visual and performing arts center could be a revenue generator and grant recipient for the city. Utilizing the auditorium this way will maximize a capital investment for the general public.